Randy Mecham

Hanksville, Utah - Randall Joe Mecham, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 3, 2023, at his home in Hanksville.

Randall Joe, fondly known as Randy or RJ was born April 20, 1943, in Salina, Utah, to Lloyd Burdell and Joy Forsyth Mecham of Hanksville, Utah. Randy attended high school in Wayne County but graduated from Gateway HS in Colorado. He liked to brag that he was the Valedictorian and Student Body President of the class of ‘61. Only later would he share that it was a class of 3.

Randy married the love of his life Deanna Curtis on April 4, 1964 in Green River, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo LDS Temple July 7, 1993. They loved serving together as temple workers in the Manti LDS Temple.

Randy was a Roughneck driller, Hardrock miner, Truck driver, and later after losing his hearing in a mine explosion; a gentleman farmer which he enjoyed most. He was proud to start Mecham Mining with his father Lloyd and mined Uranium, and later Gold in his beloved Henry Mountains.

He overcame an addiction to alcoholism in his late 40’s and became a self-appointed missionary. He shared with anyone who would listen his love of his Savior Jesus Christ and his personal redemption and recovery story. He was a beloved friend, mentor, and inspiration to many on their own personal journey to recovery.

Randy leaves behind, a great legacy. “Help who you can, wherever you can” is embedded in the minds of his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he cherished.

Randy had a great sense of humor, loved telling stories, and could make anything rhyme. He loved, found the good in everyone and gave all he had to those who had very little. Randy loved and collected people, loved music, animals and work. He also loved the story of the “tree of life” in 1st Nephi of the Book of Mormon. He began twisting copper wire into replicas of that tree as a reminder of its precious fruit, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and Love of God. He created and distributed nearly 500 copper trees to friends and family.

Randy left his mark in many ways and on many things. You can find it in an aspen tree, carved into tables and rock memorials. He would leave his 4-sale brand and MM for Mecham Mining on all that he owned. More importantly he left his mark on people. That mark will not easily be forgotten.

We are all inspired by his selfless nature, care for the hurting, love for the lost, and especially his fearless testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ.

Randy is survived by his dear wife Deanna of Hanksville, his children; Karen McCoy of Oklahoma, Justin Mecham of Huntington, Michelle (Dan’l) Lindsay of Escalante and Mandy (Randy) Smith of Riverton and his twin brothers: Jim (Deanna) Mecham of Moab and Jerry (Beth) Mecham of Cleveland, and sisters: Karen (John) Runia of Draper, and Melody (Doug) Johnson of Logan. Randy has 15 grandchildren who adored him and 14 great-grandchildren with whom he was obsessed!

He is preceded in death by his parents and great grandson Justin James.

Funeral services will be Friday May 12, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. in the Hanksville LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing Friday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Randy’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial will be in the Hanksville Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

FUNERAL SERVICES LIVESTREAM